CENTREVILLE — The estranged husband of Venus Stewart made a short court appearance Wednesday to be arraigned on an amendment added to a civil petition that alleges he engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with at least one of his daughters.

The amendment to the petition alleges that Douglas Stewart, who is facing criminal charges in connection with Venus Stewart’s disappearance and presumed death, is unable to post bond or care for his two young daughters, according to St. Joseph County Assistant Prosecutor Chuck Herman.

Herman said Stewart denied the allegation and a hearing in St. Joseph County Family Court will be scheduled for sometime after his Nov. 1 criminal trial in St. Joseph County Circuit Court.

Stewart’s attorneys have previously denied the abuse allegation, filed by the prosecutor’s office on behalf of the county’s Department of Human Services, and requested a jury trial in the family court case.